The Boswell Sisters were a highly influential American jazz vocal trio, prominent in the late 1920s and early to mid-1930s. Composed of sisters Martha Boswell (1905–1958), Connee Boswell (1907–1976), and Helvetia "Vet" Boswell (1911–1988), they were known for their innovative harmonic arrangements, rhythmic sophistication, and pioneering use of scat singing and syncopation.
History and Career
The sisters grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they were exposed to a rich musical environment of jazz, ragtime, and classical music. All three were classically trained musicians, with Martha playing piano, Connee on cello, saxophone, and guitar, and Vet on violin and banjo. They initially performed instrumentally before transitioning to vocal harmonies.Their unique style began to develop in the mid-1920s, characterized by intricate, often dissonant, close harmonies, which diverged significantly from the more straightforward vocal arrangements common at the time. Connee Boswell, despite being paralyzed from the waist down due to an accident or polio in her youth, became the trio's primary lead vocalist, known for her powerful voice and improvisational skill.
In the late 1920s, The Boswell Sisters gained popularity through radio broadcasts and live performances in New Orleans and eventually New York City. They signed with Brunswick Records in 1931, releasing a string of successful records. Their recordings often featured prominent jazz musicians of the era, including The Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman, Joe Venuti, and Eddie Lang. Hits like "When I Take My Sugar to Tea" (1931), "Mood Indigo" (1933), and "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" (1932) showcased their innovative sound.
They appeared in several films, including "The Big Broadcast" (1932) and "Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round" (1934), further cementing their status as popular entertainers. Their performances were distinctive for their energetic delivery and complex vocal interplay, which was often pre-arranged but also allowed for spontaneous improvisation.
Musical Style and Influence
The Boswell Sisters are celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions to vocal jazz. Their innovations included:- Close Harmony: They utilized very tight, often unconventional, harmonic voicings that were complex and sometimes dissonant, influencing later groups like The Andrews Sisters.
- Rhythmic Sophistication: They embraced syncopation and rhythmic shifts, embodying the "hot jazz" feel in their vocal arrangements.
- Scat Singing: Connee Boswell was one of the earliest and most accomplished female scat singers, inspiring Ella Fitzgerald, who cited Connee as her primary influence.
- Arrangement: Their arrangements were highly original, often reworking popular songs with a distinctly jazz sensibility.
Their influence extended beyond vocal groups to individual singers and instrumentalists, who admired their musicianship and improvisational flair. Bing Crosby, a contemporary, was a great admirer and collaborator.
Later Years and Legacy
The trio disbanded in 1936 when Connee Boswell decided to pursue a solo career, which proved to be highly successful. Martha and Vet retired from performing professionally shortly thereafter.Despite their relatively short period of widespread fame as a trio, The Boswell Sisters left an indelible mark on American popular music. They are recognized as pioneers of vocal jazz and swing, whose artistic innovations paved the way for many subsequent vocal groups and solo artists. Their recordings continue to be studied and appreciated for their musical complexity and historical significance.